Table of Contents

1. The era of the 'founding sheikhs' (1920–79); 2. Landscapes after the battle (1979–2007); 3. (Re)defining orthodoxy against reformist trends; 4. The turban and the chequebook: political economy of the Syrian religious elite; 5. Ulama and Islamists in the political field; 6. Reforms and revolution; 7. Conclusion.